Although the Eskimos are using the old cliche of taking their season one game at a time, the CFL schedule maker has done the club a favour.

Four points behind Saskatchewan for third place and six points behind Calgary for second, the 3-6 Esks play each team twice in the final nine games.

In a desperate drive to get back in the playoffs, the Esks would much rather control some of their fate by playing the teams they need to catch.

"Our season comes to four games, in my opinion," said receiver Ed Hervey.

"Two games against Calgary and two against Saskatchewan."

Added Mike Maurer: "If we turn it around and win a lot of games we'll catch up in a real hurry."

If Edmonton doesn't finish third in the West, the club could still qualify through the East if they finish with at least one more point than the third-place team in that division. The Esks are four points behind the Argos, but also have two games against Toronto.